Leopoldo is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Germanic elements "leud" meaning "people" and "hard" meaning "strong, brave". The full meaning of the name Leopoldo can therefore be translated as "brave people's leader".
The name has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing it. One such figure is Leopold I, who was a Holy Roman Emperor during the 17th century. He is known for his role in the Thirty Years' War and for his support of art and culture.
In literature, Leopoldo Alas, also known by his pen name "Clarin," was a Spanish novelist and critic born in the late 19th century. His works include "La Regenta," which is considered one of the greatest novels written in Spanish.
Today, Leopoldo continues to be used as a given name for boys. It is often associated with strength, leadership, and courage due to its meaning and historical figures who have borne the name. However, it is important to note that the name does not necessarily dictate an individual's personality or character traits.
The name Leopoldo has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with several peaks and troughs in its usage.
From 1896 to 1924, there were fewer than 60 births each year for the name Leopoldo. However, from 1924 onwards, there was a significant increase, reaching a peak of 92 births in 1980. This marked the start of a decade where the name's popularity remained consistently high, with over 70 births per year throughout the 1980s.
The 1990s saw a decline in popularity for the name Leopoldo, with fewer than 60 births each year from 1997 to 2005. However, there was a brief resurgence around the turn of the century, with over 70 births per year between 2000 and 2003.
Since 2004, the popularity of the name Leopoldo has declined steadily, with fewer than 60 births each year. The most recent data available shows that there were only 26 births for the name in 2023, indicating a continued decline in its usage.
Overall, while Leopoldo was once a popular name in the United States, particularly during the late 1970s and early 1980s, its popularity has waned in recent years. Despite this, it remains a distinctive and unique name with a rich history of usage across different periods.